Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

Since Father’s Day is coming up this Sunday, I’m sharing this tried and true old-fashioned banana pudding recipe that happens to be a family favorite among the Dad’s in my life. It’s quick and easy to whip up but tastes anything but!

This recipe is the original Nilla Wafer banana pudding recipe that first appeared on the back of the Nabisco box back in the 1940’s. The fact that the same recipe for this southern staple is still one of the most popular banana pudding recipes today tells you something!

It’s been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. My great-grandmother made this recipe, my grandmother makes this recipe, my mom makes this recipe, and now I make this same recipe : )

And this banana pudding is a particular favorite for Hubby and Daddy. We still laugh about the infamous time Mother made this recipe for a family gathering, and as usual, it was gobbled up in no time. Hubby sulked and acted so pitiful when he went back for seconds only to find an empty dish. Well, Mother whipped up a second one just for him right there on the spot! Mother (not so) jokingly refers to Hubby as her favorite child #whattheheck. I pretend that it annoys me but I think they both know I’m so grateful they have such a close relationship.

Original Nilla Banana Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup flour
1 dash salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Approximately 45 Nilla wafers, divided
5 ripe bananas, sliced

Directions

Mix 1/2 cup of the sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can follow the directions here to create your own.

Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk.

Cook, uncovered, over boiling water 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Spread small amount of custard on bottom of 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

Cover with layers of 1/3 each of the remaining wafers and sliced bananas.

Pour about 1/3 of the remaining custard over bananas.

Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with custard.

Beat egg whites on high speed of electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff but not dry.

Spoon over custard; spread evenly to cover entire surface of custard and sealing well to edge.

Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool slightly or refrigerate several hours until chilled.

If you wish, top with reserved wafers and garnish with banana slices just before serving.

This banana pudding will be perfect to celebrate the Dad’s in your life this Father’s Day, but I can guarantee there won’t be any leftovers!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the amazing Dad’s out there, especially my own Daddy and my Hubby! Daddy certainly set the bar high for my future husband while I was growing up. Today I’m so blessed with a dad and a husband who are committed to being strong men and Godly father’s. You both work so hard to provide for your families while modeling true examples of faith, patience, love, teaching and leadership. We love you so much!